Running back Frank Gore only had 10 carries in Sunday’s 21-19 loss at Arizona, and only two of his runs came after a 37-yard touchdown scamper. He came off the field with two snaps left in their final drive. He looked hurt. Is he?

“I feel good,” Gore replied Friday. “Everyone in the league gets nicks and bruises. It’s the 15th week. NFL football is physical. I’ll go out there and try to get my team a win and do the best I can.”

Gore did not appear on Thursday’s injury report leading up to Monday night’s game against the Steelers (10-3), a matchup win which promised the 49ers will “give our fans a good game.”

Often hailed as an excellent blocker, Gore admitted that he had some bad blocks Sunday and “I beat myself up over that.”

Advertisement

* * *

Linebacker Larry Grant, who started in place of Patrick Willis against the Cardinals, drew a $15,000 fine for hitting quarterback John Skelton below the knees in the third quarter. Grant was called for a roughing-the-passer penalty on that play, sparking a drive that led to Arizona’s second touchdown.

Grant, fined earlier this season for an infraction on special teams, disputed the league’s contention that he hit Skelton below the knee. “I’ll send in an appeal and see what happens,” Grant said.

Asked if he thinks he’ll win based on video replays, Grant said: “You never know. They’re trying to clean up this game.”

* * *

Linebacker NaVarro Bowman on facing fourth-year running back Rashard Mendenhall, a former Big Ten rival when Bowman played for Penn State and Mendenhall suited up for Illinois: “I’ve always thought of him being one of the top running backs in this era. They do a good job of getting him the ball.”

* * *

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio cautioned about the Steelers’ speed at wide receiver with Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown, who are each averaging close to 17 yards per reception. “Those guys can fly,” Fangio said.

Fangio also noted that the Steelers are running the football better than they have in recent years, and that Mendenhall is dangerous when he improvises and bounces outside on runs.

* * *

Advertisement

Fangio said Shawntae Spencer is working as the 49ers’ No. 4 cornerback, presumably ahead of Tremaine Brock.

* * *

Neither coordinator offered a health update on Willis (right hamstring) or left tackle Joe Staley (concussion). Asked if he’s seen enough of a Willis-led defense that he’ll be OK with Willis resting for the next three weeks, Fangio replied: “Whenever Patrick is ready, whether it’s this week or next, he’ll go right back in there. He’s not resting. He’s rehabbing.”

* * *

Coach Jim Harbaugh has his senior advisor at the facility today: His father Jack.